Contamination of food and agricultural commodities by various types of toxigenic molds (microscopic filamentous fungi) is a serious and widely neglected problem. Poor harvesting practices, improper drying, handling, packaging, storage and transport conditions contribute to fungal growth and increase the risk of mycotoxin production. Patulin is a toxic chemical contaminant produced by several species of microscopic filamentous fungi. It is the most common mycotoxin found in apples, apricots, grapes, grape fruit, peaches, pears, olives and cereals. Patulin has been reported to be a genotoxic, reprotoxic, embryotoxic, and immunosuppressive compound. Further research needs to be focused on the generation of data dealing with epidemiological and toxicity effects, especially in humans.